Z4000 needed ?

Nope, the Z4000 is a nice transformer, but in no way required for full utilization of DCS.

Overkill is an understatement.

If you also run conventional, controlling the Z4000 via a Z4k receiver enables you to used fixed circuits to run conventional with the remote.

Thanks for the responses, thinking of selling it, before I do wanted make sure i'm not making a mistake, I already have Z4000Remote posted.

Clem  

clem k,

    There is one function the Z4K provides that only a Z4K can provide, it is the Z4K TR function for running your older Conventional engines, via the TR Z4K mode.  In order to use the Z4K TR function mode, you must own both the Z4K and a side receiver, this opens up an additional TR function mode, on your DCS hand held remote control.  You can however use the DCS hand held remote control TR TIU function with out the Z4K, for operating your conventional trains, via the TIU & DCS hand held remote.  This additional Z4K TR function mode, is the only DCS feature that requires having the Z4K transformer, to program and operate.  The actual Z4K Transformer must be programmed (Set Up) for operating the Z4K TR mode.  This Z4K TR mode, infact doubles your ability to run Conventional trains, with the DCS hand held remote control.

Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion book, explains this fully.

PCRR/Dave

clem k,

  You are definitely making a mistake, however what do you want for your Z4K transformer?  I would like to have another one, to add to my power station.

PCRR/Dave

One function not mentioned.

If you have a PS1 engine, that transformer can set any of the codes better than anything else made. Dial up the number and hit go. Works first time, every time.

Russell,

   You are absolutely correct, because I have no P1 engines, I forgot about this completely.

PCRR/Dave

The part that seems obvious that has not been addressed, is do you have something else to run the accessories with?

If the Z4k 10 V and 14V supplies are being used, you certainly can't apply the 18v of a brick to replace that.

(Obvious, I know, but it seems to be an ignored part of the question.)

-Dave

Dave,

   Because clem k was thinking about selling his Z4K, I thought he had a different power supply for his switches and layout accessories, and he was just thinking about powering his track with a 180 brick.  If he does not have another power supply for this,

clem is definitely making a bigger mistake than I 1st believed.

PCRR/Dave

Russell……. that is what I was thinking of, thanks for jogging my memory. I do not have any PS1 engines but, You never know. 

Dave45681………I have a couple of Z1000 to use for accessories.

PCCR/Dave…… I do not have any conventional. I haven't thought about a price for it yet, if I do, probably be pickup at York can't imagine what shipping would be.

Thats why I like putting these questions out here

Thank you 

The accessory terminals on the Z4000 aren pretty pathetic. A 10-volt (I don't know what that's good for, other than powering LEDs after rectification and A 14-volt, limited to 4 amps.  A postwar ZW with external breakers is a better choice for powering accessories, unless you decide the use the Z4000 handle circuits,

RJR.. most MTH accessory's run on 14 volts and the ten volt is good for lights. I run all my 12volt lights at ten or less, And my postwar stuff seems like each one needs a different voltage for optimum performance so each one of those as a separate transformer. Actually my Z4000 doesn't have much to do thats why i'm thinking of selling it.

clem

Clem, I was not criticizing your use; just addressing a shortcoming of the Z4000.

RJR I didn't take it that way, half the stuff I wright probably comes out wrong.

clem  

The Z4000 can be used for an engine Factory Reset using the bell and whistle combination if DCS addresses (or other things) gets messed up and the engine does not respond.

winrose46,

  Good to see you posting, absolutely correct, it is another advantage in the owning of a Z4K.  When you own DCS and P1, P2/P3 engines.  For this reason and many more I purchased a Z4K, however I still use my ZW's & KW's also.

PCRR/Dave